# I: How He Came to Fulk of Montlice explained — Simon the Coldheart

> Chapter companion for Simon the Coldheart by Georgette Heyer.

## What happens

Simon, a fourteen-year-old boy of unknown parentage, arrives at Montlice Castle seeking employment. He boldly confronts the gatekeeper and later Alan of Montlice, who brings him before Fulk of Montlice. Simon reveals he is the bastard son of Geoffrey of Malvallet, but insists he is what he chooses to be. Impressed by his courage and ambition, Fulk takes him on as a page to his son.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Self-Making

Simon declares 'I am what I choose to be' and seeks to earn knighthood through his own efforts, embodying self-determination.

### Honor and Loyalty

Simon vows to serve Fulk faithfully and well, without gratitude weighing him down, highlighting a code of honor.

### Class and Identity

Simon's bastard status and his insistence on being judged by his actions rather than birth challenge class boundaries.

## Character check-ins

### Simon the Coldheart

Arrives at Montlice seeking employment; displays boldness and ambition; reveals his parentage as Malvallet's bastard.

### Fulk of Montlice

The Lion of Montlice; initially mocking but impressed by Simon's spirit; accepts him as page to his son.

### Alan of Montlice

Fulk's son; intervenes when Simon is attacked; brings Simon before his father.

### Geoffrey of Malvallet

Mentioned as Simon's father; Simon carries his ring but claims no desire for his recognition.

## Key lines

> I have never approached my goal through the back door, my lord, nor ever will. I march straight.

Simon refuses to take an indirect or humble approach to achieving his ambitions, insisting on confronting challenges head-on.

_This quote encapsulates Simon's direct and fearless character._

> I am what I choose to be.

Simon asserts that his identity is defined by his own choices and actions, not by his birth or parentage.

_A key statement of the theme of self-making._

> What I become will be of mine own making, sir. I ask no favours.

Simon declares that his future success will be achieved through his own efforts, without relying on others' charity.

_Reinforces his independence and ambition._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_the_coldheart_se/chapters/part-i-i-how-he-came-to-fulk-of-montlice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_the_coldheart_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_the_coldheart_se/chapters